Concerns about the safety of the U.S. food supply have arisen this year, sparked by notable outbreaks of illness — some of which have been fatal — as well as numerous food recalls. Items like Boar’s Head deli meats, waffles, and McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have drawn attention to these issues, leading many consumers to question whether their food is truly safe.

However, experts reassure the public that the situation reflects ongoing challenges in food safety, not necessarily an escalation in risk. The United States ranks favorably in food safety, placing high on the Global Food Security Index, which evaluates food availability and quality across 113 countries. The FDA has confirmed that “The U.S. food supply remains one of the safest in the world.”

Teresa Murray from the consumer advocacy group PIRG acknowledges the alarm caused by the high-profile nature of recent recalls but emphasizes that these are products commonly consumed by many. On average, the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issue over 300 food recalls and alerts each year. The FDA oversees about 80% of the food supply, including dairy, fruits, and vegetables, while the USDA is responsible for meat and poultry.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) closely monitors approximately 800 foodborne illness outbreaks each year. Although the agency estimates 48 million cases of food poisoning annually, many are not linked to confirmed outbreaks. As of mid-October this year, more than 300 recalls had already been recorded, indicating a brisk rate. However, Donald Schaffner, an expert in food science at Rutgers University, clarifies the distinction between recalls and illness outbreaks, which are increasingly identified through advanced genetic sequencing techniques. He asserts, “I don’t think the food supply is getting less safe; I think we’re stuck in place.”

Federal statistics reveal minimal progress in reducing foodborne illness rates, despite initiatives like Healthy People 2030 aimed at improving public health. The reduction of infections from salmonella and listeria has been negligible since 2016-2018, particularly concerning the listeria outbreak associated with Boar’s Head products, which resulted in at least ten fatalities and numerous hospitalizations. Additionally, rates of campylobacter and toxin-producing E. coli infections linked to food such as McDonald’s offerings have remained stagnant.

Barbara Kowalcyk from George Washington University underscores the importance of acknowledging food safety as a critical public health concern, stating, “All food carries risk.” She emphasizes that most food products originate from agricultural sources, which inherently poses safety challenges. The Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 empowered the FDA with new regulatory authority concerning food production and processing. Starting in 2026, suppliers will need to maintain detailed records that enable tracing of fresh produce sources. Nevertheless, Kowalcyk warns that these measures alone cannot ensure comprehensive safety.

To mitigate these risks, strategies including thorough testing, inspections, training, and education serve to minimize contamination possibilities. Kowalcyk notes that while no food safety protocol can eliminate risk entirely, implementing multiple safety measures can help identify concerns before they escalate.

However, she raises concerns about insufficient funding for public health agencies, which could undermine food safety initiatives. During a recent discussion, FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf remarked that funding for food safety has not seen significant increases in many years, signaling a need for greater investment in these critical areas.

Consumers can play a role in reducing their risk of foodborne illness by adhering to safe food handling practices, which include avoiding cross-contamination, storing food correctly, and frequently washing hands and sanitizing kitchen tools. Furthermore, they are encouraged to advocate for food safety by engaging with retailers, restaurants, and government representatives. Kowalcyk advises citizens to make their voices heard on food safety matters, saying, “If you see something, say something.”